The article emphasizes the critical role of empowering family farmers in addressing the global environmental and food crises, particularly in the context of climate change and hunger. During a World Rural Forum webinar, experts discussed climate finance mechanisms for smallholder farmers, as part of preparations for COP29 in 2024.

The webinar highlighted agroecology as a key climate-resilient agricultural approach, which could help tackle food insecurity and climate challenges. Jyoti Fernandes of the Agroecology Fund stressed the need for stronger financial support for family farmers, who face significant financial barriers. She argued for increasing climate adaptation and resilience funding, as well as developing participatory mechanisms to involve grassroots farmers. Fernandes emphasized that industrialized agriculture often receives more funding despite offering unsustainable solutions and concludes by underscoring the importance of integrating family farmers’ organizations into climate finance discussions to ensure global food security and promote sustainable, resilient farming practices.